Iraq: Adventure from North to South
| Duration: 11 days / 10 nights | Price: 2,695/ person in a shared double room, half board. | Group size: Min. 6 persons |
The published prices are calculated for groups of at least 6 travellers. However, Viajes a Irak ensures that outings can be organised for smaller groups. In these cases the price will vary, being higher due to the smaller number of people in the group.
Autumn-Winter 2026/2027 Departure Dates:
From 17 October to 28 October
From 14 November to 25 November
From 25 December to 5 January 2027
Discover Iraq and Kurdistan: A Safe Journey to the Heart of Ancient Mesopotamia
Can you imagine travelling through the cradle of human civilisation, walking among the ziggurats of Sumeria, the legendary streets of Babylon and the ancient fortresses of Kurdistan? This journey invites you to discover the historical, religious and natural treasures of Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan on an organised tour with complete safety and support from the very beginning.
This is an author's trip, designed and accompanied by me. With a deep understanding of both cultures and mastery of Arabic and Spanish, I act as a bridge between worlds, facilitating direct contact with the local population and creating opportunities for genuine encounters and authentic experiences.
This is not just any trip. It is a unique opportunity for those seeking cultural adventure, real encounters and the privilege of discovering a destination that is just beginning to open up to the world.
Travel differently. Travel authentic. Travel to Iraq with me.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BASRA
Early arrival at Basra International Airport. After completing visa formalities, we began our cultural immersion with a visit to the Basra Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of ancient Mesopotamia. Afterwards, we headed to Las Marismas de Mesopotamia ( marshes of Mesopotamia) to enjoy the beautiful nature and do some activities:
- We will have a traditional lunch with a local family. The food will be one of the national dishes of the country., Masgouf, grilled fish, with typical bread accompanied by other dishes.
- Enjoy an enchanting walk through the marshes from Iraq, a World Heritage site. Admire the lush vegetation, wildlife, and reed constructions.
We will return to Basra to enjoy the nightlife of the people of Iraq.
Dinner and accommodation in Basra.
Day 2: ZIGGURAT OF UR AND URUK- NAJAF
We start the day by visiting the imposing Ziggurat of Ur, built around 2100 B.C. and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. This ancient stepped tower, dedicated to the moon god Nanna, is a symbol of the greatness of Sumerian civilisation. Afterwards, we head to Uruk, considered the first civilisation in the world, where cuneiform writing originated around 3000 BC and a culture flourished that marked the beginning of humanity's written history. Uruk is also famed for being the home of King Gilgamesh, the protagonist of the famous epic.
After lunch, we head to Najaf:. We will visit the holy city for Shiite Muslims, take a break at the hotel to recharge our batteries, then we will visit the Shrine of Imam Ali, the central figure of Shia Islam, and then we strolled through the lively bazaar of Najaf, near the imposing mosque.
The day culminates with a delicious dinner and accommodation in Najaf.
Day 3: NAJAF – BABYLON
After breakfast, we will begin the day by venturing into one of the most awe-inspiring and sacred places in the country: the largest cemetery in the world, a site of profound spiritual significance and a UNESCO World Heritage recognised since 2011, where millions of people rest and which reflects the religious and cultural dimension of the region.
Next, we will make a stop at an enclave of great religious importance, traditionally associated with the figure of a revered prophet, which has been a place of pilgrimage and reflection for centuries.
After lunch, we will continue towards the heart of Mesopotamian history: the legendary Babylon, one of the most important cities of the ancient world, associated with the great kings Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar II.
During the visit, we will explore its most emblematic remains, including the monumental Ishtar Gate, the Lion of Babylon, vestiges of ancient palaces and temples, as well as the famous Processional Way. We will also observe the more recent traces of its contemporary history, which are part of the complex layering of civilisations on the site.
After the visit, lunch in the area and continuation of the journey to Karbala, where we will spend the night.
Day 4: BAGHDAD
We will begin the day by heading to Baghdad and its surrounding areas, combining ancient history and cultural heritage.
We will travel to discover one of the most impressive vestiges of ancient Mesopotamia: the majestic Arch of Ctesiphon, one of the largest brick structures in the ancient world and a symbol of the splendour of the Sasanian Empire.
Throughout the day, we will also visit an archaeological site of great historical relevance, linked to one of the region's earliest civilisations, whose legacy remains fundamental to understanding the origins of monumental architecture in Mesopotamia.
We will finish the day by returning to Baghdad, after a journey that will connect us with the deepest roots of the country's history.
Accommodation in Baghdad.
Day 5: Baghdad
After a typical Iraqi breakfast, we will immerse ourselves in the literary heart of the city by touring its old town, discovering emblematic and vibrant corners, with visits to places steeped in history, tradition, and spirituality, where cultures and beliefs coexist, forming part of the soul of Iraq.
Dinner and overnight in Baghdad.
Day 6: BAGHDAD
We will begin the day exploring some of the most iconic spaces in Baghdad's recent history. We will visit one of its grand monumental squares, the scene of important national events, next to one of the city's most recognisable architectural symbols.
Throughout the day, we will continue to visit various significant locations linked to collective memory and the preservation of Iraqi cultural heritage.
We will conclude with an external stop at one of Baghdad's most striking monuments, which has become an icon of the city.
Accommodation in Baghdad.
Day 7: SAMARRA- HATRA- MOSUL
We started the day with an early breakfast and set off for Samarra, one of the most important capitals of the Abbasid Caliphate. There we visited the iconic Samarra Minaret (al-Minārat al-Malwiyyah), with its famous spiral ramp, built in the 9th century, a unique architectural gem of the Islamic world.
We continued our journey north towards Hatra, a city founded in the 3rd century BC, which reached its zenith in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD under Parthian rule. Its impressive architecture mixes Roman, Hellenistic and Eastern elements, and it was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary conservation.
Finally we arrive at MosulWe enjoyed a traditional dinner in a city with more than 2,500 years of history and stayed there to rest.
Accommodation in Mosul.
Day 8: MOSUL
We will explore the city of Mosul on a walking tour of its old town, where recent history and the reconstruction process are visible at every turn. A walk that will allow us to connect with the local reality and understand the resilience of its inhabitants.
Throughout the day, we will delve into enclaves of great historical and cultural value linked to the ancient civilisations that inhabited this region, as well as a place of profound spiritual significance situated in a privileged natural environment, from where you can get impressive views of the surrounding plain.
Accommodation in Mosul
Day 9: LALISH - KHINNIS - ERBIL
Departure from Mosul towards the Khinnis site, where we will discover the Maltai reliefs, impressive rock carvings depicting processions of Assyrian gods that transport us to the grandeur of this civilisation.
We will continue to Lalish, the holiest site for the Yazidi community. This spiritual enclave, surrounded by mountains, offers a unique experience for understanding their traditions and beliefs.
We will conclude the journey in Erbil, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
Accommodation in Erbil
Day 10: ERBIL
We will discover Erbil, a millennia-old city where the past and present coexist in a fascinating way.
We will begin with a visit to the imposing Erbil Citadel, considered one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will continue our tour of the lively Qaysari Bazaar, where we can immerse ourselves in local life amidst traditional shops and oriental aromas.
We will also visit the elegant Khalil Khayat Mosque, one of the city's most representative temples, and the historic Joli Minaret.
The day will be completed with an exploration of other interesting points in the city, gradually discovering the essence of this unique enclave.
Accommodation in Erbil.
Day 11: RETURN HOME
Depending on the time of your flight, transport will be available to take you to the airport for your return flight. 
The trip includes
- 10 nights bed and breakfast in the planned hotels or similar 4-star hotels in a shared double room.
- Tramitation and fees visa to Iraq
- Basic health insurance in Iraq
- All transfers according to the programme.
- All tickets according to the programme.
- Half board.
- Official, experienced, English-speaking local guide.
- Bilingual tour leader (Spanish and Arabic) for groups of 9 or more people, who will accompany the group throughout the tour, guaranteeing a more fluid and personalised experience.
- Private transport by bus, minibus, minivan or car (depending on the number of passengers).
Planned establishments or similar
- BASORAH: 4* Hotel
- NAJAF: 4* Hotel
- BAGHDAD: 4* Hotel
- MOSUL: 4* Hotel
- Duhok: 4-star hotel
- Erbil: 5* Hotel
The trip does not include
- Flights are not included, but we will be happy to help you get the best connections and prices.
- Travel insurance, it is advisable to have one with maximum coverage.
- Personal expenses.
- Lunch or dinner as per programme (free to explore the local gastronomy or can be arranged on request).
- Tipping.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any other service requested or used during your stay (spa, room service, laundry, fridge, etc.).
- The supplement for a single room is €550.
What our travellers say
We are very travellers and it is worth it, culture, archaeology, diversity of landscapes, exceptional and welcoming people, we have felt more at home in security than in Spain, very good gastronomy, abundant and varied, sweets without comment and economic prices.
It is important not to go on your own, always with an agency.
We have travelled with :
viajesairak.es
I recommend her professionalism, Iraqi ancestry and good contacts that facilitate the whole trip with follow-up from the beginning to the end of the trip.
Iraq has a history of 5000 to 3000 BC, we visited Uruk, where writing was born and the invention of the wheel.
It is a safe country, we had no fear at all during the whole trip, the proof is the foreign investments that are being made.
Accommodation, which was excellent, is beginning to have a network of hotels and restaurants of a very high standard.
In addition to Mrs. Mariam, we were accompanied by a local guide Mr. Sagad with a lot of knowledge about the history of the country and a driver Mr. Mohamad with a lot of driving skills.
Iraq is a country to visit, and if you can do it with viajesairak.es, success is assured.
Joan
Vic (Barcelona)
Touring Babylon, Ur, Najaf or Kerbala is not just a succession of historical sites. It is to walk through places you have seen all your life in books, documentaries and stories, and discover that they are still alive, vibrant and full of humanity. Each city has its own rhythm, its own character and its own way of welcoming you.
We were particularly impressed by the hospitality. People who don't know you at all stop you in the street to welcome you, to invite you to tea, to ask you where you come from and thank you for choosing their country. This closeness, so natural and sincere, dismantles any previous prejudices.
The organisation of the trip was impeccable. We felt accompanied, safe and cared for at all times. The guides not only explain facts, they tell you stories, anecdotes and details that make each place come alive.
We came back with the feeling of having experienced something great, one of those trips that you never forget and that change the way you look at the world. Iraq is not just a destination, it is an experience that stays with you long after you have returned home.